Around the world, March 8th marks International Women’s Day, an occasion to celebrate the incredible achievements of women, honour their lasting impact across all fields, and renew our commitment to advancing gender equality.
We are proud to share the inspiring journey of RaeLipskie’s Vice-President and Portfolio Manager, Andréa Miljkovic. As one of Canada’s top female financial advisors, Andréa is pushing boundaries, setting expectations and paving the way for the next generation of young leaders in the industry.
Andréa’s story begins long before she professionally entered the world of wealth management. As a teenager, she opened her first brokerage account in high school – an act that would unknowingly set her on a path that would challenge the status quo. Little did she know, this simple step would set her on a path of breaking barriers in an industry with very little female representation.
The early days of Andréa’s journey were marked by determination and grit. After completing her degree at the University of Waterloo, she didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her. She independently passed the Canadian Securities Course, then landed her first job at CIBC Wood Gundy, the same place where she had opened her first brokerage account years earlier. This full-circle moment was made even more remarkable as Andréa claimed the spot as the branch’s first female financial advisor. While women held leadership roles in banking, brokerage firms had very few female advisors at the time, and Andréa was about to change that.
Despite the male-dominated landscape, Andréa was determined to break expectations and solidify her presence. “Once I was in that environment, I focused on taking all the industry courses available,” she shares. Advancing her knowledge became her top priority. Whether it was obtaining her Options License or becoming Insurance Licensed, Andréa took every opportunity to expand her skill set which allowed her to eventually rise from a Financial Associate to a Financial Advisor.
Her thirst for knowledge never waned. Driven by a desire not only to affirm her capabilities but also to gain the expertise needed to guide clients with confidence and precision. Leading with this mantra, Andréa acquired her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and doors began to open. By 2002, Andréa joined The RaeLipskie Partnership, where her career truly flourished.
With her move to RaeLipskie also came a shift in her job role. Andréa began managing high-net-worth portfolios and her clients’ life savings. Understanding the gravity of the task, “I knew what was at stake, which motivated me to keep improving and expanding my knowledge,” Andréa explains. As she advanced, Andréa began realizing that it’s not just about knowing the numbers, it’s about understanding people’s lives, dreams and future goals.
A significant part of Andréa’s success can be attributed to her commitment to education, but it goes beyond that. Andréa is also deeply invested in nurturing the next generation, especially women entering the wealth management industry. Whether teaching financial literacy to school-aged children, advising college curricula, or supporting women and men in finance through the CFA Society, Andréa is on a mission to create opportunities through learning.
For younger women entering the industry, Andréa stresses the importance of building and nurturing strong networks; she recognizes that it is not only about what you know but who you know. Knowing firsthand how valuable meaningful relationships are, whether made through industry committees or community involvement, Andréa believes connection is instrumental in long-term success.
She also points out that the job is far from a typical nine-to-five, and while responsibilities may shift toward a heavier focus on work, it is essential to maintain a strong focus on family, community and personal interests outside of the job. Societal expectations often place heavier emphasis on women being deeply involved at home, but Andréa highlights that with the right balance, it’s possible to embrace both professional success while living an active, fulfilling home and personal life.
Above all, Andréa emphasizes that staying true to one’s values is the cornerstone. It isn’t just professional growth, but personal alignment. “Find what you are passionate about and align your actions with your values,” she advises.
Working for over 30 years in wealth management, Andréa is proud to have represented clients across multiple generations and built relationships that will last a lifetime. “Trust is paramount,” Andréa remarks. From RESPs to RRSPs, Andréa guides families and individuals through milestones and successions with confidence and stability. “Watching the successful unfolding of lives and all of the work we have done come to fruition,” is what she describes as one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job.
Even though Andréa emphasizes there is no “magic” in wealth management – attributing her success to her training and financial principles – there is something undeniably incredible about how Andréa makes her clients feel. Giving them peace of mind, she is committed to instilling a sense of financial security and trust in their future.
Mentorship has been a constant theme throughout Andréa’s career. She recalls how her former Branch Manager of CIBC Wood Gundy played a pivotal role in encouraging her to pursue the Financial Consultant Training Program. “Having someone who believed in me at the time really helped me move in that direction and get me on track,” Andréa shares.
Andréa’s gratitude extends to her colleagues at RaeLipskie, especially those who have retired. “There’s a certain wisdom that comes with time, something you can’t learn from textbooks, but from years of experience and navigating various market cycles,” she shares.
Looking to the future, Andréa is equally inspired by the next generation of women. “While they may be inspired by someone like me, I am inspired by them,” she says. “I am creating a path to break down ceilings and present opportunities for the next generation.”
Diversity in leadership is essential, according to Andréa. “Women create balance in a boardroom,” she emphasizes, knowing how diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and stronger collaboration. She advocates for continued efforts to encourage women to pursue their passions and create space for them in every boardroom, believing all voices should be heard and valued.
Andréa stands as one of Canada’s top female financial advisors, a position earned not only through her deep expertise but also by redefining what it means to be a woman in finance. She has set the bar high, not just for herself but for every young woman who dares to dream of a future in this field. Andréa embodies possibility, showing that with determination, resilience, and passion, any woman can break through barriers and forge her own path to success.
To learn more about Andréa and the services she provides, please visit RaeLipskie.com
